Are you sitting in your room, scrolling down your Instagram reels and you see everyone traveling and want to go someplace travel worthy? No worries, here is an idea for you!
Need a hint? This place is known as the golden city of India and the holy city of Sikhs. Any guesses? You are right! It’s the city of Amritsar! This beautiful city is located near the India and Pakistan border and is rich in culture and historic and legendary stories.
And the best part is that there are so many things to do in Amritsar! Hang in there and go through this list made just for you!
Things to Do in Amritsar
1) Golden Temple
Golden Temple certainly tops the list. One of the top things to do in Amritsar is to go to the Golden Temple. This temple also goes by the name of Harmandir Sahab. It is located in the center of the city and you’ll be lucky if you find a place to stay near it.
Golden temple is a prime attraction for tourists all over the world. This temple is the holiest shrine of Sikhs not only in Amritsar but the whole of India. The architecture of this temple is breathtaking, made with pure gold, and surrounded by a beautiful Amrit Sarovar (pond) around it.
You will find some beautiful fishes in the Sarovar. A soothing Gurbani is played at the back which will give you a magical and spiritual experience in your soul. Langar or the free food is prepared on a very large here to serve food to the thousands of devotees that come here from all around the world for worship.
It is a 100 percent fulfilling experience and one of the best things to do in Amritsar.
1.1) Things You Need to Remember
Golden temple is one of the major tourist attractions but it is also a major religious place. To maintain decorum, the visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering and cover their heads.
In case you forget to carry a headcover or scarf, you can find one for only 10 INR inside the golden temple complex. Photography is not allowed near the golden temple. One must try to dress appropriately.
- Timings: Open 24 hours; every day
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
2) Akal Takht
The second idea on the list of things to do in Amritsar is visiting the Akal Takht.
Akal Takht is situated just near the holy golden temple complex and it is the resting place of Guru Granth Sahib. A Takht is a royal throne in the Sikh empire. There are a total of five Akal Takhts in Sikhism, namely Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar, the Takht Shri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi in Bathinda, the Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur, the Takht Shri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra and the last Takht Shri Patna Sahib in Bihar respectively.
Akal Takht in Amritsar is the superior amongst them all due to the fact that it is the oldest(1606). Every morning the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, is taken from Akal Takht to the golden temple and is returned to Akal Takht in the evening. The procession is also live telecasted every day.
This place located has a religious significance in Sikhism and therefore one can experience the authentic Sikh culture and traditions.
2.1) Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Akal Takht:
This is a religious place unlike the other tourist places, therefore the tourists need to maintain decency inside this place. Both men and women must cover their heads while one is there.
In case you forget to carry a headcover or scarf, you can find it for 10 INR only, inside the golden temple complex. Do not carry food items inside this place and no photography is allowed.
3) The Partition Museum
If you’re in this city, then one of the best things to do in Amritsar is to visit the Partition Museum. It is located near the golden temple complex. This place is a heaven for all history buffs out there. It contains all the details, documents, pictures, personal items, and stories of people who faced hardships during the migration.
This museum is thought to be the world’s first partition museum. There are many memoirs of people that accounted for the horrific and tragic incident of partition. One thing about this place is that you will get goosebumps here!
3.1) Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting the Partition Museum:
- Photography is not allowed in the museum
- You should not carry any food items with you
- Do not talk loud inside the museum
4) Wagah Border Ceremony
If you visit Amritsar, one of the best things to do in Amritsar is to witness the Wagah border ceremony, also known as the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. This border is located at a distance of 28 kilometers from India and 22 kilometers from Pakistan.
This border separated two villages namely Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan. This joint military ceremony or the beating retreat ceremony happens before sunset every day as a symbol of India- Pakistan cooperation and brotherhood.
It is witnessed by thousands of enthusiastic locals and tourists. Soldiers from both the countries, the Indian army’s Border Security Force (BFS) and Pakistan’s Pakistan Rangers, showcase their parade skills.
The show commences with soldiers from each side marching in synchronize movements and is a specter to watch. The armies of both countries share sweets and shake hands as a symbol of good gesture. The ceremony ends with both countries lowering their national flags in coordination.
With the Jawans shouting Jai Bharat, you will feel patriotic and proud here! Put this place on your bucket list of things to do in Amritsar and definitely visit Wagah Border!
- Wagah border timings: 10 am to 4 pm
- Entry Fee: No fee but seating is on a first come first serve basis
5) Jallianwala Bagh
All students have studied about the Jallianwala bagh massacre in their high school textbooks. The Jallianwala bagh incident is definitely one most tragic incidents that happened in Indian history. Thousands of Indian men and women were killed in an open fire on the orders of General Dyer.
It is located near the golden temple in the middle of Amritsar city and is now open for the public to witness and relive the incident.
You will literally find bullet marks on the walls of the Jallianwala Bagh. You will also find the well where many people jumped to escape the bullets.
You need to visit this place once in your lifetime to experience it. The place is now of the most famous memorials of national importance.
You must keep this on your list of things to do in Amritsar and visit this place at least once.
- Jallianwala bagh timings: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Entry fee: no fee
6) Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
One of the top fun things to do in Amritsar is to visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. This museum was the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is located in the middle of the Amritsar city center near the Amritsar Railway Junction.
The museum displays coins, weapons, and paintings of the Maharaja’s time during the 18th century. You will enjoy the history, art and various artifacts kept for display.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh museum timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Closed on Mondays - Entry Fee: 40 rupees for adults
20 rupees for children five years of age and above
No entry fee for children below 5 years
7) Mata Lal Devi Mandir
Mata Lal Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in the Rani ka Bagh area of Amritsar. This area is located in the city center of Amritsar, just near the Amritsar junction. This is one of the best things to do in Amritsar. This temple holds great importance in Hindu temples all over India.
This temple in Amritsar is one of the most religious places to visit. This temple is an imitation of the famous Mata Vaishno Devi temple located at Jammu. It is dedicated to a female saint Lal Devi, who was also known as Pujya Data. She was respected as a mother figure during her time.
The temple of Mata Lal Devi was built in 1989 in the city center of Amritsar. This is also called a cave temple since the way where all the statues of gods and goddesses are placed is in the form of a cave.
You might feel that the temple is not so big, but it is and needs time to properly explore the temple.
- Timings: 05:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
8) Sri Ram Tirath Temple
Sri Ram Tirath Temple is located around 12 km from Amritsar city. It is a beautiful, elegant, and serene temple. This place is also said to be the birthplace of Luv and Khush, the children of Rama and Sita.
The temples also include a “Valmiki” Temple. He was the writer of the Ramayana and is a revered saint in Hinduism. Every year a four-day fair is organized in this temple. This is a good time to visit this temple in Amritsar.
9) Durgiana Temple
Durgiana temple is a very significant religious shrine of Hindus in North India. It is located near the Amritsar Railway junction. It is amongst the best things to do in Amritsar since it provides a calming and refreshing feeling.
It is also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Durga temple. It looks similar to the famous Golden temple. Apart from this main temple, you can find other temples such as Bara Hanuman Mandir and Mata Sitla Mandir here. This place will be best for you if you are seeking a serene and calming experience.
You will also find a place to rest here in “Shrimati Dhanwant Kaur Dharamshala” and can have langar which is served throughout the day to the pilgrims.
- Durgiana temple timings: 6 am to 10 pm
- Entry fee: No fee
10) Taste the Amazing Food!
Any trip is incomplete without tasting the authentic food of that place. Amritsar is for foodies and your taste buds will thank you!
10.1) Bharawan da Dhaba
This beautiful eatery is located in Hall Bazaar in Amritsar. This eatery is one of the best places to eat in Amritsar. You should order the Amritsari thali here and the basic Amritsari Kulcha and paratha with butter. The best thing is you can ask for a refill for the butter.
The lassi here is authentic and you will crave it more and more. They provide a very humble service and a variety of cultural food items to choose from. This restaurant is near the partition museum only.
10.2) Kesar da Dhaba
If you are visiting the golden temple in Amritsar, one of the top things to do in Amritsar is to taste the lip-smacking food. Kesar da Dhaba and authentic Amritsar dishes are synonyms for each other.
This place offers original Dhaba style parathe or “porothe” as they call it and thick chilled lassi to soothe your senses. It is just walking distance from the golden temple. The Amritsari thali serves you dal makhani, paratha, raita, achar, and mixed paneer sabzi. Add a phirni to this thali and you are done for the day.
10.3) Best Food to Order
These things are must try if you are in Amritsar:
- Phirni: 25 rupees
- Dal fry with Lachha Paratha: 200 rupees approximately
- Lassi:50 rupees
11) Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort is a royal heritage site located in the heart of Amritsar. This fort is almost 250 years old and was named by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This fort has a vast history from being built by Gujar Singh Bhangi, a local chief of that time in the 1760s, like a mud fortress to being won by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and converted into a defense fort in the 1800s.
The Gobindgarh fort was garrisoned by the army in the year of 1947. Today, this fort stands as a national heritage site maintained by the government of Punjab. Gobindgarh fort has now turned into a famous tourist destination and definitely falls into the category of one of the best things to do in Amritsar.
There are a lot of things you can do in this fort:
11.1) Hi-tech Shows
You can enjoy watching a 7D show in the Gobindgarh fort. A 7D show is a motion picture that uses multiple effects and stimulations giving you an experience where you find yourself in the show you are watching.
The 7D show named “Sher-e-Punjab” tells the story of the mighty Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, most fascinatingly. Are you a history buff? Then you absolutely need to watch this show. Another show named “Kandha Boldiyan Ne” (Whispering walls) tells the legendary story of the Gobindgarh Fort.
11.2) Museums
There are various museums in the Gobindgarh fort, depicting various histories of Amritsar.
11.2.1) Toshkhana
This is the place where Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to keep the Kohinoor diamond. Kohinoor diamond is one of the most expensive and famous diamonds in the world. A replica of this diamond is still kept at this museum.
11.2.2) Pagdi Museum
This museum depicts the history of the emergence of Pagdi in Sikhism and the recent trends.
11.2.3) Warfare Museum
This museum showcases all the war weapons used in the olden times in Amritsar. It also contains the famous sword of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
11.2.4) Sikhi Art
This museum is something you don’t want to miss out on. It is an exhibition of images of “saints and warriors” of Punjab.
- Gobindgarh Fort timings: 10 am to 10 pm Museum timings: 10 am to 7:30 pm
- Entry fee: 250 rupees for Indian nationals
- 1000 Rupees for Foreign nationals
12) Hall Bazaar
Visit Amritsar and not buy the Amritsari jutti and suit! That is a big NO-NO! The hall town Bazar is a hub for pretty jutti and traditional Phulkari suits. You will get an excellent price here since all the factories are in Amritsar and exported to other cities in India. The bazaar is filled with everything colorful and exciting symbolizing the liveliness of the city and its people.
So buy that suit and just flex your Punjabi look!
12.1) Things to Buy:
- Some other things you can find here are papad (chips) which are all handmade.
- You can find here phulkari suits and dupattas for a very reasonable price.
- You can find beautiful Chinese lanterns.
- You can also buy yourself beautiful jewelry and shawls.
13) Khalsa College
Khalsa College is a historic educational institution located in Amritsar. It was founded in the year 1892 during the British Rule. It was realized by the people of Punjab that higher education should be provided to the people of Punjab for their betterment.
To achieve this goal, funds and lands were raised and Amritsar was chosen to be the place of this institution of national importance. This college has given education to various freedom fighters, politicians, and leaders.
If you are visiting Amritsar, stop by to visit this architecturally beautiful educational institution.
- Timings: College hours; closed on Sundays
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
14) Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum
Before you visit the Wagah border for the beating retreat, you should visit the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum in Amritsar. This war museum signifies the contribution of Sikhs in the battles of India such as the Indo-Pak war, the Indo-China war, and the Kargil war.
This war museum has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. This museum displays excellent photographs, weapons, artifacts, and interactive paintings for the visitors to gain knowledge about the battles and wars.
This place is a must-visit during your stay in Amritsar because it will inspire you and make you feel proud of your country. Make sure to devote at least two hours here to relish the beauty of this museum.
- Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Entry fee: 100 rupees per person
15) Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary
If you are a bird watcher or prefer relaxing landscapes, this place is just right for you. the Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary are located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Amritsar city.
Hanging out with your family and friends is one of the best things to do in Amritsar. This place is a convergence of two rivers, Satluj and Beas. If you are into photography, do carry your camera to capture beautiful and rare migratory birds here.
- Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee: No fee
16) Sun City
Your trip to Amritsar will not be complete if you miss the Sun city amusement park. After you visit all the historical places, another thing to do in Amritsar is to visit this perfect place to unwind yourself and enjoy.
This place has a water park too and a lot of exciting water rides.
- Sun city Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
- Entry Fee:
Amusement Park: 350 rupees per person
Water Park: 600 rupees per person
Combo Pack: 700 rupees per person
17) Heart of Punjab
The Heart of Punjab is a village tour of Amritsar, starting from the morning till late evening. It makes you experience a day in the life of a local Punjabi. You experience their raw breakfast, visit farms, and milk the cows there, you try your hand at bhangra, and you see how the typical household works.
You make Rotis and take care of their animals, wear traditional clothes, drive a tracker, and make a lot of friends. This experience is unique in itself because you get to live a life in Amritsar and understand a totally new culture.
Final Thoughts
Experiences like these are filled with fun and stay with you forever.
So, now hopefully you know what things to do in Amritsar and you are all set to pack your bags and have a real-life experience in the beautiful city. The city is not expensive at all and is definitely pocket friendly. You can find many reasonable tour packages to explore Amritsar with all these fun things and places included in the itinerary.
Hope to see you in Amritsar soon!
